As the day turned to evening, the bubbling anticipation of opening day has me reviewing in my head what my day will be tomorrow. I also know that right now, in the waning sun of the late afternoon/early evening before the first day of school, my friend and colleague for many years will be packing her lunch for school tomorrow, our first day of the '15-'16 year. She has been packing her lunch in advance for many, many years. Her predictability is both entertaining and soothing. She is someone I can, and do, count on for emotional support. Her ear is the first to hear my frustrations. Her dedication to and passion for her chosen career is one that reminds me how noble and honorable the profession. She taught both my children, and I have attended her family's life cycle events. She knows how to laugh, even at herself. She works hard to remind me to balance my work and home lives as my "on/off switch" often gets stuck in the on position. So it is with deep affection that I realize how unique it is that I know she is packing her lunch right now. I even know that it will not be the usual fare as she is suffering with dental problems. But she will not miss the first day of school. Right now, she will be packing soft foods.
I also know that in my school, I am not alone in my blessing of such a trusted and loving colleague. I can think of many other teachers in our buildings whose closest friends are also on our payroll. I know for certain that we are unusual. This is because our school community nurtures the IDEA of community. What that word means in our environment has been the cause of both celebration and discord at times. But the fact remains that our leadership encourages collaboration, thoughtful discourse, play, and forward thinking. As a result, we care about one another. We are upset when an employee leaves, whether of their own choice or not. A physical break in the team's group impacts everyone in some way.
I also know that in my school, I am not alone in my blessing of such a trusted and loving colleague. I can think of many other teachers in our buildings whose closest friends are also on our payroll. I know for certain that we are unusual. This is because our school community nurtures the IDEA of community. What that word means in our environment has been the cause of both celebration and discord at times. But the fact remains that our leadership encourages collaboration, thoughtful discourse, play, and forward thinking. As a result, we care about one another. We are upset when an employee leaves, whether of their own choice or not. A physical break in the team's group impacts everyone in some way.
As human beings with personalities, adults with our own issues, we cannot be expected to pretend to be something we are not. Especially in education, serving as role models for our students is the most powerful tool we have. We must be authentic while simultaneously being kind. Although there are many teachers in our school that I would not choose to be close friends with, I cannot think of a single one I would not drop what I was doing to help in a time of need. I also know that if I put out a call for help or asked for feedback, that many would respond immediately. This is not the case in many schools but is an exemplar of what is possible. So, as another year begins, I hold in my heart deep gratitude for the blessing of community in all its forms that lifts me and carries me along.